Some distinctions are important. Are the foetuses alive or dead ? Is the research being done [in utero] or [ex utero]; on foetuses to be aborted or to be brought to term; or on pre-viable or viable foetuses ? Is the foetus spontaneously aborted or is the abortion induced ? Is fertilization [in utero] or [ex utero] ? Is the research to benefit the subject as well as others, therapeutic research; or to only benefit others, non-therapeutic research ? Is the risk to the subject minimal, moderate or serious ?
2. The public is generally willing to accept organ donation and the use of foetal tissue for therapeutic purposes. Many see it as a positive use for material which would otherwise be discarded. Still, people may feel an instinctive repugnance at the use of ovarian tissue (including foetal eggs for [in vitro] fertilization) from these sources for research or fertility control.